Turbine driven power unit for a cutting tool

ABSTRACT

A turbine power unit for a power tool having a turbine housing with an interior space configured to receive therein a fluid powered turbine supported for rotation on a bearing within the turbine housing. A service opening through the turbine housing into the interior space thereof, the service opening configured to permit installation and removal of a bearing into and out of the interior space of the turbine housing. A removable cover releasably securable to the turbine housing over the service opening and transitionable between an open configuration in which a bearing can be installed into and removed from the interior space of the turbine housing through the service opening and a closed configuration in which an installed bearing within the interior space is secured for operation in the turbine housing.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/773,194, filed Sep. 4, 2015, which is a national stage entry of PCTApplication No. PCT/US2014/021409, filed on Mar. 6, 2014, which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/773,734, filed onMar. 6, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/820,074, filed May6, 2013; the contents of each application are hereby incorporated byreference in their entireties.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to rotary cutting tools for performingvarious rotary machining operations. More particularly, to turbinedriven cutting tools supported by ball bearings. The turbine drivencutting tool can integrate ultrasonic abilities.

BACKGROUND

Machine tools such as lathes, milling machines or drill heads that areused in manufacturing to mechanically remove material from a work-piecenormally operated at a relatively low speed and high output power. Insome cases, a work-piece being machined by such machine tools mayrequire additional machining by other types of tool that are suitablefor example for performing more accurate machining using small diametertools. This additional machining may require additional setup andmachining time.

Spindles provide for increased production, and improved overallefficiency of machining devices. However, known spindles may be verycomplex and often constructed from very expensive components such asadvanced bearing assembly and motors. Hence, spindles tend to be veryexpensive, which limit their usage to only very high productionquantities and high cutting qualities. An alternative solution isspindle speeders (also referred to as spindle speed increasers ormultipliers). These devices may be assembled on the machining devicesand rotate together with the main spindle of the machine devices. Thus,the overall rotation speed of the assembly may be the algebraic sum ofthe rotation speed of the spindle speeders and the rotation speed of themain spindle of the machining device.

Turbine driven rotor machine tools that operate at relative higherspeeds may be suitable for performing for example the above mentionedaccurate machining. These tools typically have a spindle that issupported for rotation by accurate and often expensive bearings and areplaceable machining bit that is detachable secured to the spindle.U.S. Pat. No. 7,192,248 and International Patent Publication WO2011/001421 A1 describe a turbine driven rotary cutting tool that hassupport for attaching the turbine cutting tool to a conventional machinetool holder. The turbine cutting tool has a spindle which is supportedby bearings and the spindle is provided with a tool holder that isadapted to grip a cutting bit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with referenceto the following drawings. The components in the drawings are notnecessarily drawn to scale, the emphasis instead being placed uponclearly illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in thedrawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

FIG. 1A is an elevational view of an exemplary power unit, according tothe present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a cross-section illustration of the exemplary power unit ofFIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is an isometric view of the exemplary power unit of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is an elevational view of an exemplary spindle and turbinesystem, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is an isometric view of the exemplary spindle system of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is an elevational view of an exemplary spindle including turbineand bearings system, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is an isometric view of the exemplary spindle system of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is an elevational view of an exemplary turbine housing,according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a cross-section illustration of the exemplary turbine housingof FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is an isometric view of the exemplary turbine housing of FIG.4A.

FIG. 4D is an isometric view from a different angle of the exemplaryturbine housing of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is an elevational view of an exemplary turbine housing,according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B is a cross-section illustration of the exemplary turbine housingof FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is an isometric view of the exemplary turbine housing of FIG.5A.

FIG. 6A is an elevational view of an exemplary turbine housing,according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a cross-section illustration of the exemplary system of FIG.6A.

FIG. 6C is an isometric view of the exemplary system of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is an isometric of an exemplary cover for turbine housing ofFIG. 1A, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B is an isometric view from a different angle of the cover of FIG.7A.

FIG. 8A is an elevational view of an exemplary power unit turbinehousing including spindle and bearings, according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 8B is a cross-section illustration of the exemplary power unit ofFIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is an isometric view of the exemplary power unit of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8D is an isometric view from a different angle of the exemplarypower unit.

FIG. 9A is an elevational view of an exemplary coupling tool, accordingto the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B is a cross-section illustration of the exemplary coupling toolof FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9C is an isometric view of the exemplary coupling tool of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is an isometric view of the exemplary coupling of the spindleto the turbine, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 10B is an isometric view of the exemplary coupling of the spindleto the turbine.

FIG. 10C is an isometric view of the exemplary coupling of the spindleto the turbine.

FIG. 10D is an isometric view of the exemplary coupling of the spindleto the turbine.

FIG. 10E is an isometric view of the exemplary coupling of the spindleto the turbine.

FIG. 10F is an isometric view of the exemplary coupling of the spindleto the turbine.

FIG. 10G is an isometric view of the exemplary coupling of the spindleto the turbine, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 10H is an isometric view of the exemplary coupling of the spindleto the turbine.

FIG. 10I is cross-sectional view of the exemplary of the spindle to theturbine.

FIG. 10J is an isometric view of the exemplary coupling procedure.

FIG. 11A is an isometric view of the exemplary decoupling of a bottomclosure cover from the housing, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 11B is an isometric view of the exemplary decoupling of a coverfrom the housing, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a method according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among thedifferent figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. Inaddition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, itwill be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that theembodiments described herein can be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, methods, procedures and components have notbeen described in detail so as not to obscure the related relevantfeature being described. Also, the description is not to be consideredas limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein. The drawingsare not necessarily to scale and the proportions of certain parts havebeen exaggerated to better illustrate details and features of thepresent disclosure.

In the following description, terms such as “above,” “below,”“longitudinal,” “lateral,” and the like, as used herein, shall mean inrelation to the bottom or furthest extent of, the power unit even thoughthe power unit or portions of it may be deviated or horizontal.Correspondingly, the transverse, axial, lateral, longitudinal, radial,etc., orientations shall mean orientations relative to the orientationof the power unit.

Several definitions that apply throughout this disclosure will now bepresented. The term “coupled” is defined as connected, whether directlyor indirectly through intervening components, and is not necessarilylimited to physical connections. The connection can be such that theobjects are permanently connected or releasably connected. The term“outside” refers to a region that is beyond the outermost confines of aphysical object. The term “inside” indicate that at least a portion of aregion is partially contained within a boundary formed by the object.The term “substantially” is defined to be essentially conforming to theparticular dimension, shape or other word that substantially modifies,such that the component need not be exact. For example, substantiallycylindrical means that the object resembles a cylinder, but can have oneor more deviations from a true cylinder.

The term “radially” means substantially in a direction along a radius ofthe object, or having a directional component in a direction along aradius of the object, even if the object is not exactly circular orcylindrical. The term “axially” means substantially along a direction ofthe axis of the object. If not specified, the term axially is such thatit refers to the longer axis of the object.

A power unit is disclosed having a turbine and at least one replaceablebearing. In at least one embodiment, the turbine can be coupled to ashaft which is supported by the bearing. For example, a portion of theshaft can be within the bearing. In at least one embodiment, the bearingcan be a ball bearing based bearing or a roller bearing. The bearing canhave an inner race and an outer race. The inner race can be configuredto contact or almost contact the shaft. In at least one embodiment, theshaft can be a shank of a cutting tool. In one example, the cutting toolcan be a drill bit, a mill, or other device designed to cut, drill, ormachine a surface. The shaft can have a longitudinal centerline and isrotatably supported in a turbine housing by the at least one bearing. Inat least one embodiment, two or more bearings can be implemented. Whilemost of the details presented herein feature two bearings, a singlebearing can be implemented or more than two bearings can be implemented.

The turbine housing can be generally cylindrical and have a longitudinalcenterline. The longitudinal centerlines of the shaft and turbinehousing can be substantially aligned.

The power unit assembly can include a shaft, a turbine, a bearing, and aturbine housing. The turbine housing can include at least one serviceopening. Additionally, a preload spring can be provided. The preloadspring can provide a biasing force to position the internal contents ofthe housing in the appropriate positions.

The turbine housing can have at least one removable cover releasablysecurable over the service opening. In at least one example, the turbinehousing can be configured to have at least two removable coversreleasably securable over two respective service openings, each beingformed at an end of the turbine housing. The shaft can be rotatablysupported in the turbine housing by at least one bearing. The shaft canbe rotatable within the turbine housing around the longitudinal axis.The shaft can be a rotating tool shank. The turbine can be a close fiton the rotating shaft such that the turbine is able to slide on therotating shaft. For example a clearance of 0.01 inch to 0.001 inch canbe possible. In other embodiments where the measurements are in metricthe clearance can be 0.1 mm to 0.01 mm. In yet other embodiments, thefit between the turbine and the shaft can be such that it requires apress fit. In other embodiments, the turbine can be attached to theshaft by heat, glue, or welding. The turbine can be coupled to the shaftsuch that the shaft and the turbine rotate in substantial unison. Forexample, when the turbine is caused to spin, the shaft spins in unisonwith turbine. In at least one example, the turbine and the shaft can becoupled such that they have the same rotational speed. In otherembodiments, a gearing can be provided such that the shaft and theturbine rotate at different rotational speeds.

The present disclosure can be implemented with a single bearing or withtwo or more bearings. The number of bearings and spacing can beconfigured to reduce wear or provide for simplicity in design. In anembodiment in which two bearings are provided, the bearings can bearranged on both sides (top and bottom) of the turbine with a very smallclearance to allow relatively easy assembly and disassembly of thebearings. For example, a washer or other spacer can be provided toseparate the turbine from the bearing.

Additionally, the fit between the shaft and the bearings can be a closefit. For example, a clearance of 0.01 inch to 0.001 inch can bepossible. In other embodiments where the measurements are in metric theclearance can be 0.1 mm to 0.01 mm. In at least one embodiment, the fitbetween the shaft and bearing is such that it is not as close of a fitas the fit between the turbine and the shaft.

The turbine housing can include a one or more through openings orinletjets, on the side wall outer surface for inletting a driving medium (forexample, a driving fluid, lubricant, water, oil, emulsion, air, or acombination of one or more of these) towards the turbine. The drivingmedium can be any fluid or gas that is configured to cause the turbineto rotate. Additionally, the turbine housing can include one or moreoutlets that allow for the driving medium to exit the housing. Thedriving fluid can be based on the material that is being cut, the designof the power unit, or the desired speed of the tool.

The location of the inlet for the driving fluid can be chosen based uponwhat type of input source is used with the power unit. Additionally, theexit can be based on the type of fluid and the type of material that isto be cut. In the cutting of some materials, no fluid should contact thematerial and thus the exits are located to prevent the fluid fromcontacting the material being cut. In other examples, it is required tohave fluid contact the material to provide cooling and/or cleaning ofthe material.

In at least one embodiment, the exit of the driving fluid can be throughthe cover. As indicated above, the cover can include one or more throughopenings for expelling the driving medium after passing through theturbine and directed toward the material being cut, thus providingadditional cooling. The one or more through holes can be alternativelylocated on the sidewalls of the cover, expelling the driving medium outthe side. Side expulsion of the driving medium can be useful when thedriving fluid should not impact the material being cut. In at least oneembodiment, the driving fluid used when a side exit is provided can beair. In other embodiments, the air can be mixed with oil, emulsion,and/or water. In at least one embodiment, the emulsion can be an oil andwater mixture. In another embodiment, the emulsion can be an air and oilmixture. In yet another embodiment, the emulsion can be an oil, water,and air mixture.

The power unit can be lubricated using the driving fluid. In at leastone example, the driving fluid can be an emulsion, which can save moneyand eliminate a damaging mixture of oils within the machine. Theemulsion can be used at a pressure between 5-80BAR. The power unit canalternatively be dry air lubricated with emulsion. The rotational speedof the turbine and the tool coupled thereto can be based on thepressure. For example, when the driving fluid is air, the rotationspeeds follow the following formula (in case of 13 mm turbine diameter):V [Krpm]=P [bar]*30+40.For emulsion (13 mm turbine): V [Krpm]=18×ln(P[bar]):

The cover can have a plurality of engagement surfaces on the sidewall.The turbine housing can further include a plurality of engagementsurfaces on the sidewall. These engagement surfaces can be substantiallyflat. The engagement surfaces can take other forms to provide allow forpositive engagement with a servicing tool. The cover can have an innerdiameter that is at least partially threaded. The turbine housing canhave an outer diameter that is at least partially threaded and capableof releasably engaging with the at least partially threaded innerdiameter of the cover. The turbine housing have also have an innerdiameter that is at least partially threaded opposite the end has anouter diameter that is at least partially threaded. An additionallycover can have an outer diameter that is at least partially threaded andcapable of releasably engaging with the at least partially threadedinner diameter of the turbine housing. The additional cover can beconfigured to be substantially flush with the second end of the turbinehousing when in a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, theadditional cover can be slightly recessed from the second end of theturbine housing. The additional cover can further include a plurality ofdepressions in formed therein for receiving a coupling tool to removeand install the additional cover. The coupling tool can include aplurality of prongs located thereon capable of engaging the plurality ofdepressions.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C of the drawings illustrate power unit 10, in aclosed configuration 12, comprising a shaft 110, a turbine housing 120,a cover 130, and an additional cover 140. In the closed configuration12, the power unit 10 can be configured to be used. As illustrated, theturbine housing 120 has an interior space 112 that is configured tocontain components of the power unit 10. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, thefirst bearing 150, the turbine 170, and a second bearing 160 are locatedwithin the interior space 112. The interior space can house othercomponents as well.

As shown, the shaft 110 can include a cutting tip 111. As illustrated,the cutting tip 111 is a drill. In other embodiments, the cutting tip111 can take the form of other shapes and configurations so as to removematerial as desired. In at least one embodiment, the cutting tip 111 canbe integrally formed with the shaft 110 such that the shaft 110 can bedescribed as the shank of the cutting tool. In other embodiments, thecutting tip 111 can be releasably engaged with the shaft 110. The shaft110 can be at least partially contained within the turbine housing 120,and rotatably supported by the turbine housing 120 along longitudinalaxis X. The shaft 110 can be coupled to a first bearing 150, a turbine170, and a second bearing 160.

The cover 130 can be configured for removable engagement with theturbine housing 120 at a first end 121. The additional cover 140 can beconfigured for removable engagement with the turbine housing at a secondend 129. The cover 130 can also include a preload spring 180. Thepreload spring 180 can be used to bias the bearings 150, 160 into theproper position. In other embodiments, the preload spring 180 can beseparate from the cover 130. The turbine housing 120 can include one ormore through openings 125 located on a sidewall. The one or more throughopenings 125 can be configured to provide for an entrance for thedriving fluid.

The turbine housing 120 can further include a plurality of engagementsurfaces 124 located on the sidewall. The one or more engagementsurfaces 124 can be configured to assist in the removal and installationof the cover 130 and additional cover 140 from the turbine housing 120.In at least one embodiment, one or more engagement surfaces 124 can besubstantially flat to provide a surface that can be easily gripped witha tool. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the one or moreengagement surfaces 124 can be a plurality of engagement surfaces.

The one or more through openings 125 can be located on the plurality ofengagement surfaces 124, or can be located elsewhere on the turbinehousing 120 sidewall. The one or more through openings 125 can receive adriving medium, such as oil, water, driving fluid, or a combinationthereof. The one or more through openings 125 can receive the drivingmedium and channel it towards the turbine 170. In at least oneembodiment, the one or more through openings 125 can be a plurality ofthrough openings 125. The location of the one or more through openings125 can be based upon the machine that the power unit 10 is configuredto cooperate with. Specifically, the one or more through openings 125can be aligned with a source of the driving medium.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the shaft 110. The shaft 110 as describedabove can be a shank of a cutting tool. The shaft 110 can have a turbine170 installed thereon. The turbine 170 can be inserted integrally byheat shrink, glue, or press fit. In other embodiments, the turbine 170can be integrally formed on the shaft 110. The turbine 170 can compriseone or more vanes 171. In at least one embodiment, the one or more vanescan comprise a plurality of vanes. The one or more vanes can have aconfiguration that is based on one or more of the shape of the housing,the desired speed, and the driving medium being used.

The power unit can further include a first washer 271 and a secondwasher 272. The first washer 271 and second washer 272 can provide abuffer between the turbine 170 and the one or more bearings. The shaft110 can have two ends, a cutting tip 111, and a second end 273 locatedopposite the cutting tip 111.

FIGS. 3A and 3B of the drawings illustrate the complete shaft assembly.The shaft 110 can have a first bearing 150, a turbine 170, and a secondbearing 160 installed thereon. The bearings 150, 160 can be located oneither side of the turbine 170 with a very small clearance to allowrelatively easy assembly and disassembly of the bearings 150, 160. In atleast one embodiment, the clearance between the bearings 150, 160 andthe turbine 170 can be on the order of a few microns. In other examples,the bearings 150, 160 can be such that the turbine 170 touches a rotaryportion of the bearings 150, 160 that rotate with the turbine. Therotation of the turbine 170 can be caused as the driving medium causesthe fins 171 of the turbine 170 to rotate about the axis. While twobearings 150, 160 are illustrated, the present disclosure can beimplemented with a single bearing 150.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D of the drawings illustrate the turbine housing120. The turbine housing 120 can include a first end 121 with an outerdiameter that is at least partially threaded 123. The first end 121 canhave an external diameter configured for releasable engagement with thecover. The first end 121 can also include special channels 126 forexhausting the driving medium after exiting the turbine. The turbinehousing 120 can further include a second end 129 with an inner diameterthat is at least partially threaded 122. The at least partially threadedsecond end 122 can have an inner diameter configured for releasableengagement with the additional cover.

In the open configuration as illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D, thehousing 120 forms a service opening 127 at the first end 121. Also, thehousing 120 forms an additional service opening 128 at the second end129. In at least one embodiment, the housing 120 can only have a serviceopening at one of the first end 121 or the second end 129. Asillustrated, the through opening 125 for the driving medium can have asubstantially circular shape on the exterior of the housing 120 and atear drop shape on the interior of the housing 120. In otherembodiments, the shape of the through opening 125 can be determined toprovide the desired flow characteristics based on the speed of theturbine and the location of the injection ports for the driving medium.As illustrated the through opening 125 can be located on the engagementsurfaces, but in other embodiments the through opening 125 can belocated on other positions.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate the turbine housing 120 having theadditional cover 140 releasably engaged in an installed configuration.The turbine housing 120 can have a second end 129 with an inner diameterthat is at least partially threaded 122 configured for removableengagement with the additional cover 140. The additional cover 140 canhave an outer diameter that is at least partially threaded 527. The atleast partially threaded inner diameter 422 configured for removableengagement with the at least partially threaded outer diameter 527. Theadditional cover 140 is configured to be substantially flush with thesecond end of the turbine housing in an installed configuration. Theadditional cover 140 can also include one or more depressions 540 formedon the exterior facing surface for receiving a coupling tool to installand remove the additional cover 140 to the turbine housing 120. Asillustrated, a plurality of depressions 540 is provided. The number ofdepressions 540 can be such that it prevents the removal tool fromslipping and also provides for the desired force characteristics. Theadditional cover 140 can further include a shaft receiving portion 535formed on an interior of the additional cover 140. The shaft receivingportion 535 can be configured to receive the second end of the shaft. Inat least one embodiment, the shaft receiving portion 535 can beconfigured to act as a bearing surface when only a single bearing isprovided.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrate the additional cover 140, shaft 110,turbine 170, and bearings 150, 160 installed within the turbine housing120 in an open arrangement 14 such that one or more of the componentscan be installed or removed from the housing 120. The shaft 110 can havethe second end 273 received into the shaft receiving portion 535. Thesecond bearing 160 can be installed on the shaft 110 just above theinstalled additional cover 140. In at least one embodiment, a portion ofthe second bearing 160 can contact the installed additional cover 140.The shaft 110 can have a turbine 170 installed above the second bearing160, and have a first bearing 150 installed above the turbine 170. Theshaft 110 can be arranged such that the first bearing 150 extends atleast partially above the first end of the turbine housing 120. While anadditional cover 140 is illustrated, the present disclosure can insteadbe implemented with a fixed bottom portion so that the componentsdescribed above are only inserted through the service opening at thefirst end of the housing.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate the cover 130 of the power unit. The cover130 can have an inner diameter at least partially threaded 131configured for releasable engagement with the at least partiallythreaded outer diameter of the first end of the turbine housing. Thecover 130 can also have one or more through openings 136 formed on asurface thereof. The one or more through openings 136 allow for thedriving medium to exit from the turbine housing when the cover 130 is ina closed configuration. The driving medium can enter through theplurality of through openings located on the sidewall of the housing,passing through the turbine and special channels, and exit through theone or more through openings 136 arranged on the cover. The drivingmedium can be expelled through the one or more through openings 136 anddirected to the work surface for extra cooling. As illustrated the oneor more openings 136 comprises a plurality of through openings 136. Theplurality of through openings 136 are evenly spaced around an interiorcircumference of the top face of the cover 136. The location of theplurality of through openings 136 can be configured to provide thedesired cooling and removal function. In other embodiments as indicatedearlier, the through openings 136 can be located on different positionson the cover 130 or housing 120.

The cover 130 can further include a shaft aperture 135 configured forthe shaft to extend through when the cover is in an installedconfiguration. The cover can further have a one or more engagementsurfaces 132. The one or more engagement surfaces 132 can assist inremoving and installing the cover to the turbine housing. The one ormore engagement surfaces 132 can be substantially flat and configured toengage with a coupling tool. Other configurations of the engagementsurfaces are within the scope of this disclosure. As illustrated, theone or more engagement surfaces 132 comprise a plurality of engagementsurfaces.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D illustrate the turbine housing 120 with theshaft 110, first bearing 150, turbine 170, and second bearing 160 in anopen configuration. FIG. 8A illustrates the first bearing 150 can extendat least partially above the at least partially threaded first end ofthe housing 120. FIG. 8B shows that the plurality of through openings125 can be arranged to direct the driving medium toward the turbine 170,and the driving medium then exits the turbine through the specialchannels 126 before being exhausted through the plurality of throughopenings located on the cover. As illustrated neither the cover nor theadditional cover is coupled to the housing 120. In this configuration,the components can be inserted into the housing through either theservice opening or the additional service opening. In other embodiments,a portion of the components can be installed through the service openingand another portion installed through the additional service opening.When two service openings are provided, it allows for the componentsthat closest to that service opening to be replaced without removingother components that do not need replacing.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C illustrate an exemplary shaft assembly device, orcoupling tool. The coupling tool 910 can have a receiving element 911configured to couple with the one or more engagement surfaces on thecover and turbine housing. The receiving element 911 can help remove andinstall the cover and additional cover to the turbine housing. Thecoupling tool 910 can also include a plurality of prongs 914 configuredto be received in the plurality of depressions formed on the additionalcover. The plurality of prongs 914 can be removably engaged with theplurality of depressions and can help remove and install the additionalcover. The coupling tool can also have a through opening 912 of a singlebore diameter, which can be slightly larger to the shaft diameter, butless than the turbine diameter, throughout the depth of the couplingtool 910. The depth of coupling tool 910 can correspond to the maximumlength of the shaft between the turbine and the second end. The couplingtool 910 can have a second through opening 913 that can have at leasttwo different diameters. The first diameter can correspond to thediameter of the turbine, and the second diameter can correspond to thediameter of the shaft. The bore length of the second diameter can be theminimum length acceptable between the turbine and the second end.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D and 10E illustrate the installation of theturbine 170 on the shaft 110 wherein the shaft length after the turbine170 corresponds to the maximum acceptable length. As illustrated, theturbine 170 includes a plurality of vanes 171.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the turbine 170 can be placed on installationblock 1101 with the first end of the turbine touching the surface ofinstallation block 1101. The shaft 110 can then be inserted into turbine170 in with the cutting end entering the turbine first, as shown inFIGS. 10B and 10C. As seen in FIG. 10D, the coupling tool 910 can thenbe placed over the assembly with the shaft 110 being inserted throughthe through hole with a single bore diameter. FIG. 10D illustrates theshaft 110 can then be pressed into the turbine 170 until the second endof the shaft is flush with surface of the coupling tool 910. Thecoupling tool 910 can then be removed from the assembly, revealing themaximum acceptable length of the shaft between the turbine and thesecond end.

FIGS. 10F, 10G, 10H, 10I, and 10J illustrate the installation of theturbine 170 on the shaft 110 wherein the shaft length after the turbinecorresponds to the minimum acceptable length. The shaft assembly can beinserted into the coupling tool 910 through the through hole having twodifferent bore diameters. The second end of the shaft can be insertedfirst through the through hole with a larger bore diameter. The turbine170 can then be recessed inside the first bore diameter, exposing aportion of the shaft on the opposite side of the coupling tool. Theturbine 170 can be bounded on a first end by the installation block 1101and by the coupling tool 910 on a second end. The second end of theturbine can be position at the end of the first bore diameter of thethrough hole with two bore diameters. FIG. 10J illustrates the shaft 110can then be pressed into the turbine 170 until the second end of theshaft is flush with surface of the coupling tool 910. The coupling tool910 can then be removed from the assembly, revealing the minimumacceptable length of the shaft between the turbine and the second end.

While FIGS. 10A-J illustrate the installation of the turbine 170 on theshaft, the present disclosure contemplates that the turbine 170 could beaffixed to the shaft 110 using other methods. Additionally, the turbine170 can be welded or otherwise attached to the shaft 110.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate the installation and removal of the coverand additional cover using the coupling tool. FIG. 11A illustrates thecoupling tool can be help remove the additional cover 140 using theplurality of prongs 914. The plurality of prongs 914 can be removablyengaged with the plurality of depressions 540 formed on the additionalcover 140. Once engaged, the coupling tool can help remove theadditional cover 140 via a rotational motion relative to thelongitudinal axis releasing the at least partially threaded innerdiameter of the turbine housing and at least partially threaded theouter diameter of the additional cover 140. The coupling tool can alsohelp installation of the additional cover 140 by removably engaging theplurality of prongs 914 with the plurality of depressions formed on theadditional cover 140 and applying an opposite rotational motion relativeto the longitudinal axis. FIG. 11B illustrates the coupling tool canhelp remove the cover using the plurality of engagement surfaces locatedon the cover and the plurality of engagement surfaces located on theturbine housing. The turbine housing resisting rotation while applying arotational motion, relative to the longitudinal axis, to the cover canremove the releasable engagement of the cover and the turbine housing.The turbine housing resisting rotation while applying an oppositerotational motion, relative to the longitudinal axis, to the cover caninstall the releasable engagement of the cover and the turbine housing.

The present disclosure also includes a method 1200 as illustrated inFIG. 12. The method as presented is a method for servicing the powerunit as presented herein. While the described method includes bothdis-assembly and re-assembly, it can be appreciated that the assembly ofthe power unit can be as indicated above. In one embodiment, the powerunit is shipped in an assembled or closed configuration, such that whenit arrives it is ready for use. In other embodiments, the power unit canbe shipped in various different components. As indicated above, thepower unit is configured such that it can be dis-assembled andre-assembled by an operator of the power unit, for example a machinist.The ability to service the power unit by the machinist or designatedfield service coordinator saves time and expenses as the power unit canbe repaired. For example, the power unit as described above can have oneor more bearings. After use, the one or more bearings can fail orprevent the tool from maintaining the desired cutting characteristics.When the power unit falls outside of the desired tolerance, the operatoror appropriate person can dis-assemble the power unit to repair it.

The method as illustrated includes one or more optional portions as wellas the all of the portions are not illustrated.

As illustrated, the method can include removing a cover (block 1202). Inone or more embodiments as presented herein, the power unit can includeone or more covers. If a bearing fails, the cover that is closest to thebearing can be removed when more than one cover is provided. When asingle cover is provided the single cover is removed to permit access tothe inside of the turbine housing. For example, when the cover isthreaded, the cover can be removed by un-screwing the cover from thehousing.

The method can further include removing a bearing from the housing(block 1204). In one or more embodiments, the bearing can be constrainedfrom movement. In other embodiments, the bearing can be removed once thecover has been removed. In other embodiments, a spacer or biasing membercan be located between the bearing and the cover.

In at least one embodiment, the method can include removing the turbine(block 1206). In at least one embodiment, the turbine can be removedonce the shaft that the turbine is coupled to is removed from thehousing. For example, the turbine can be affixed to the shaft andrequire additional tools or equipment to remove the turbine from theshaft. In other embodiments, the turbine can be removed from the shaftwhile the shaft is still located within the housing.

The method can further include removing the additional components fromthe housing. The method can further include removing the othercomponents from within the housing. In other embodiments in which twocovers are provided on the power unit, the components can be removedfrom one or both openings after the respective cover is removed.

If the turbine needs replacing, the turbine can be installed on theshaft (block 1208). The installation of the turbine on the shaft hasbeen described in detail above with respect to FIGS. 10A-10J.

If one or more of the bearings is to be replaced, the bearings can beinstalled within the housing (block 1210). The installation of thebearing can be through the opening in the housing that is closest to thelocation of the bearing being replaced. In at least one embodiment, thebearing can be installed on the shaft.

After the components are replaced, the one or more covers can beinstalled on the housing (block 1212). Once the one or more covers areinstalled, the power unit is again configured for operation.

One or more of the features as described above can be combined to forman embodiment. Specifically, the features described above can be formedtogether to create various embodiments of a turbine power unit. Theturbine power unit for a cutting tool can include one or more of thefollowing features: a turbine housing having an interior spaceconfigured to receive therein a fluid powered turbine supported forrotation on a bearing within the turbine housing; a service openingthrough the turbine housing into the interior space thereof, the serviceopening configured to permit installation and removal of the bearingsinto and out of the interior space of the turbine housing; and aremovable cover releasably securable to the turbine housing over theservice opening and transitionable between an open configuration inwhich a bearing can be installed into and removed from the interiorspace of the turbine housing through the service opening and a closedconfiguration in which an installed bearing within the interior space issecured for operation in the turbine housing.

At least one embodiment of the turbine unit further comprises a toolshank, wherein the turbine is coupled to the tool shank and the bearingsupports the tool shank.

In at least one embodiment, the turbine is supported on the bearing andan additional bearing within the turbine housing, at least one of thebearings located proximate to the service opening and exposed throughthe service opening when the removable cover is in the openconfiguration.

At least one embodiment of the turbine unit further comprises anadditional service opening through the turbine housing into the interiorspace thereof, each service openings configured to permit installationand removal of the bearing into and out of the interior space of theturbine housing.

At least one embodiment of the turbine unit further comprises anadditional removable cover, each cover releasably securable to theturbine housing over a respective service opening.

At least one embodiment of the turbine unit further comprises anadditional bearing, each bearing is located proximate to one of theservice openings and exposed through the respective service opening whenthe respective removable cover is in the open configuration.

In at least one embodiment, each bearing is located proximate to one ofthe service openings and abuttingly engaged by a removable cover in aclosed configuration.

At least one embodiment of the turbine unit further comprises a shaftretained in the bearings, the shaft having a shaft extension thatextends through a shafte aperture in the removable cover.

In at least one embodiment, the turbine comprises a plurality of vanes.

In at least one embodiment, the turbine housing forms one or moreapertures for receiving fluid or gas therethrough.

In at least one embodiment, the one or more apertures open into theinside of the turbine housing adjacent to the turbine, whereby the fluidor gas drives the turbine.

In at least one embodiment, the removable cover has a face surface whichforms a plurality of through openings allowing for fluid or air to exitfrom the turbine housing when the removable cover is in the closedconfiguration.

In at least one embodiment, the removable cover has a sidewall whichforms a plurality of through openings allowing for fluid or air to exitfrom the turbine housing when the removable cover is in the closedconfiguration.

In at least one embodiment, the removable cover includes a sidewall thathas a plurality of engagement surfaces formed thereon.

In at least one embodiment, the plurality of engagement surfaces aresubstantially flat.

Additionally, one embodiment of the turbine unit further comprises anadditional cover that is configured to be substantially flush with oneend of the turbine housing in an installed configuration.

Additionally, one embodiment of the turbine unit further comprises anadditional cover that has a plurality of depressions formed therein forreceiving a coupling tool to install and remove the additional cover tothe turbine housing.

In at least one embodiment, the additional cover has a shaft receivingportion formed on an interior of the additional cover, the shaftreceiving portion configured to receive a portion of the shaft.

In at least one embodiment, the turbine is configured to be driven byone of an emulsion, air mist, external coolant, or external air mist,wherein the air mist is a mixture of oil and air.

The present disclosure also presents a method for assembling,dis-assembling, and/or servicing a turbine housing of a power unit. Inone embodiment, a method of servicing a turbine housing comprisesremoving a cover coupled to a housing having an interior spaceconfigured to receive therein a fluid powered turbine supported forrotation on a bearing within the turbine housing and a service openingthrough the turbine housing into the interior space thereof, the serviceopening configured to permit installation and removal of the bearingsinto and out of the interior space of the turbine housing; removing thebearing; installing a replacement bearing within the turbine housing;and installing the removable cover.

In other embodiments, the method can further include steps as describedabove in servicing, assembling or dis-assembling the power unit.

The embodiments shown and described above are only examples. Manydetails are often found in the art such as the other features of aturbine driven shafts. Therefore, many such details are neither shownnor described. Even though numerous characteristics and advantages ofthe present technology have been set forth in the foregoing description,together with details of the structure and function of the presentdisclosure, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be madein the detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement ofthe parts within the principles of the present disclosure to the fullextent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms used in theattached claims. It will therefore be appreciated that the embodimentsdescribed above may be modified within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A turbine power unit for a cutting tool, thepower unit comprising: a turbine housing having an interior spaceconfigured to receive therein a fluid powered turbine supported forrotation on a bearing that is a ball bearing or a roller bearingdisposed within the turbine housing; a tool shank comprising anelongated portion and an end portion, wherein the turbine is directlycoupled to the tool shank at the elongated portion, wherein the bearingis in direct contact with the elongated portion of the tool shank,wherein the end portion of the tool shank forms a cutting tip, andwherein the bearing, turbine and tool shank comprise a removableassembly; a service opening through the turbine housing into theinterior space thereof, the service opening configured to permitinstallation and removal of the removable assembly into and out of theinterior space of the turbine housing; a removable cover releasablysecurable to the turbine housing and disposed over the service openingand transitionable between an open configuration in which the removableassembly can be installed into and removed from the interior space ofthe turbine housing through the service opening, and a closedconfiguration in which the bearing is secured for operation within theturbine housing.
 2. The power unit as recited in claim 1, furthercomprising an additional service opening through the turbine housinginto the interior space thereof, wherein the additional service openingis configured to permit installation and removal of the removableassembly into and out of the interior space of the turbine housing. 3.The power unit as recited in claim 2, further comprising an additionalremovable cover, each removable cover releasably securable to theturbine housing over a respective service opening.
 4. The power unit asrecited in claim 3, wherein each bearing is located proximate to one ofthe service openings.
 5. The power unit as recited in claim 1, whereinthe turbine housing forms one or more apertures for receiving fluid orgas therethrough and the one or more apertures open into the inside ofthe turbine housing adjacent to the turbine, whereby the fluid or gasdrives the turbine.
 6. The power unit as recited in claim 1, wherein theremovable cover has a face surface which forms a plurality of throughopenings allowing for fluid or gas to exit from the turbine housing whenthe removable cover is in the closed configuration.
 7. The power unit asrecited in claim 1, wherein the removable cover has a sidewall whichforms a plurality of through openings allowing for fluid or gas to exitfrom the turbine housing when the removable cover is in the closedconfiguration.
 8. The power unit as recited in claim 1, wherein theremovable cover includes a sidewall that has a plurality of engagementsurfaces, formed thereon, that are substantially flat.
 9. The power unitas recited in claim 1, further comprising an additional cover that isconfigured to be substantially flush with one end of the turbine housingin an installed configuration.
 10. The power unit as recited in claim 1,further comprising an additional cover that has a plurality ofdepressions formed therein for receiving a coupling tool to install andremove the additional cover to the turbine housing, wherein theadditional cover has a shaft receiving portion formed on an interior ofthe additional cover, the shaft receiving portion configured to receivea portion of the tool shank.
 11. A method of servicing a turbinehousing, the method comprising: removing a removable cover coupled to ahousing having an interior space configured to receive therein a fluidpowered turbine supported for rotation on a bearing that is a ballbearing or a roller bearing within the housing, the housing furthercomprising a service opening providing access into the interior spacethereof, the service opening configured to permit installation andremoval of the bearing into and out of the interior space of thehousing; removing the bearing, wherein each of the bearing and theturbine are directly coupled to an elongated portion of a tool shank,the tool shank further comprising an end portion forming a cutting tip,and wherein the bearing, turbine and tool shank comprise a removableassembly; installing a replacement removable assembly within the turbinehousing; installing the removable cover.